A moissanite is something resembling to diamond but is made of silicon carbide. It is hard to distinguish between the two with a naked eye because its appearance I very much similar to that of a real diamond, but rather a moissanite is a used as common alternative to a diamond. A high quality moissanite promises to withstand the test of time and can be used for a lifetime without losing its appearance or without being damaged as well. 

 
A naturally occurring Moissanite is a bit difficult to find. Which also makes it extremely rare occurring in nature. That is why theses gemstones are also grown within synthetic conditions in a lab. But it takes about 2-3 months for it form within the suitable conditions present in a laboratory. 

It is said that due to its hardness and refractive index, this gemstone wouldn’t loose out on its brilliance and sparkle and shine that a diamond also emits. They have outstanding reflective properties with an extremely hard surface as well. When it comes to shine and belief that Moissanite diamonds might lose their shine over time, then the answer would be a simple no. The good quality stones will not be loosing their shine and sparkle just like a real diamond. Their lustre remains preserved without any wear and tear. 

By a naked eye, it will not be possible to differentiate. But one to differentiate between the two is on the basis of fire and brilliance of the stone. The Moissanite stone has more of both, though it isn’t something that can be visible in small stones, but it can be made out in stones which are over 5mm. Another fun fact about the stone would be that a rainbow light can quickly reflects which light hits the gem. Because of which, the stone has the name of a disco ball. Its rainbow reflection is very strong and all around when the light hits its surface. 

                                                                                 

One the key difference between a real diamond and the moissanite stone is that the diamond weighs heavier than the replica diamond. The estimates says that the moissanite is about 15% lighter than the diamond. 

Due to this, their prices are not estimated on the basis of the weight but rather on the basis of length and width in millimetres and not in carat. 

These are also sold on the basis of size and colour while the other is sold on the basis of the 4Cs and many other factors too. 

Diamonds are said to be one of the hardest stones to exist. While moissanite stones are very much similar in appearance, but standing on the above stated fact, these gemstones are slightly, again.. very slightly lighter than the diamonds. These have much more refractive index (the ability to bend light) than the diamonds, this is why they are able to emit more of rainbow light that is reflected out when a light hits the surface.

When it comes to pricing,

Though the moissanite is more rare than the original diamond as moissanite is extracted from meteorite that fell to earth. But its composition makes it cheaper than the diamond. It is also a very similar replica of diamond. Its entirely up to the choice of the buyer to make the choice amongst the two. 

History- 

This rare gemstone is not as much popular as it should be because of its rarity present of the earth. This naturally occurring mineral was discovered by Henri Moissan. This gemstone was discovered while examining the rock samples of a meteor present in Arizona in 1893. 

At first these stones were mistaken to be diamonds, but upon research the crystals were found to carry its primary element- silicon carbide. From the very beginning it is believed that these stone symbolise- steadfastness and commitment because of its physical      durability.                                                                                        

                                                                                        

In the honour of its discoverer, the stone was named- “moissanite”.
It first came in the jewellery market in the year 1998 by Charles and Colvard who created the products like- Forever Classic, Forever Brilliant, and Forever One. But in 2015, the patents of C&C expired in the most of countries making a stop of these as well. But this proved to be beneficial to many other mineral manufactures worldwide, who also then hopped in the market and thus the knowledge of the gemstone spread more and gaining more and more attraction as well.